MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

Programme Guide

LEVEL 3

QA.com
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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

DIGITAL AND
DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS
CONTENTS
Building tech careers in the workplace

We offer digital and degree apprenticeships

QA’s partnership with Microsoft 4
that focus on the most in-demand tech skills
including; cyber, IT, software development, data QA support Microsoft’s campaign to narrow the
and digital marketing, along with others in 5
digital skills gap
project management and senior leadership.
With programme pathways from Level 3 – Role profile 7
Level 7, we help learners to progress and grow
within your company, helping you retain talent Job role suitability 8
and build capabilities.
Entry requirements 10
Our award-winning approach to blended
learning enables apprentices to develop further Finding new talent 11
and faster, adding immediate value to their
roles, whilst our interactive portal with real-time Diversity and inclusion 12
dashboards and trigger alerts enable managers
to effectively and efficiently track progress. A blended approach to learning 13

Learner support 14
Experience: 30,000
apprenticeships placed
Digital by Design apprenticeships 16

The learner’s journey 19

An unrivalled talent pool:
100,000 apply to join our Modules 20
programmes every year
Learning outcomes 26
Award-winning: Recipient How to get ready for the end-point assessment 28
of the Gold Award at the
Learning Tech Awards 2020
How is the EPA graded? 29
for our apprenticeship
delivery model
Expanding technical skills through Cloud Academy 30

Proven: Azure certification pathways in Cloud Academy 31

We have the highest
overall pass rate among
UK tech training
providers*

*based on end-point
assessments by the
BCS 2020

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

QA’S PARTNERSHIP QA SUPPORT MICROSOFT’S

WITH MICROSOFT CAMPAIGN TO NARROW THE
DIGITAL SKILLS GAP

QA is Microsoft’s largest Gold Learning Partner in the UK, Microsoft anticipates that by 2025 the UK will need more
training over 45,000 people in Microsoft technologies and than 3 million new skilled people in technology – including
applications. 1.5 million new developers and nearly 1 million new people
across machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), data and
cloud roles.
Our comprehensive range of courses are kept up to date There has never been a
with the latest Microsoft content and our large team of As part of the industry’s response to this digital skills
shortage, Microsoft has announced a five-year campaign
better time for people
subject matter experts is here to help you at every stage of
your Microsoft training and certification journey. called Get On 2021. thinking about their future
We’re proud to be supporting Microsoft’s Get On 2021 to consider a role in tech,
Our learning professionals are among the best in the world,
each with extensive experience and a proven track record
five-year initiative, to help 1.5 million people build careers that’s why we are delighted
in technology and help 300,000 connect to tech job that QA is joining Microsoft’s
of delivering the skills that transform performance and
opportunities.
ensure lasting benefits. Get On 2021 campaign.
QA apprenticeship programmes have already delivered
over 10,000 Microsoft tech apprentices into UK businesses As one of our UK Gold
and to support the initiative, in partnership with Microsoft, Learning Partners, QA brings
QA has designed the new Microsoft Azure Cloud Support
Specialist apprenticeship programme to align to an to bear their
exciting Microsoft career path. long-standing pedigree
in training, re-skilling and
certifying thousands of
Microsoft IT Professionals,
developers and apprentices.

Simon Lambert
Chief Learning Officer
Microsoft UK

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

ROLE
PROFILE
MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST

The Azure Cloud Support Specialist’s role is desk based, resolving system user
queries and resolving faults in a helpdesk environment. When a cloud based or on
premise system fails the business would contact an Azure Cloud Support Specialist
to report the problem and either get it fixed or escalated to an engineer.
The Azure Cloud Support Specialist would be expected to rectify or escalate faults
rapidly in order to reduce the impact on the internal or external customer.

Azure Cloud Support Specialists need:

• Strong technical skills
• A methodical, step-by-step approach to resolving issues
• Business skills like effective communication, teamwork and task/time management
• The adaptability to do a range of work—sometimes complex and non-routine in different
environments
• The ability to work under direction, use discretion and determine when to escalate issues

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

JOB ROLE
SUITABILITY

As an employer is it important to assess whether Checklist

a candidate (a new hire or existing employee)
is working in a suitable job role to successfully 1 Will the apprentice be providing technical support to customers both internal and external through a
complete their programme. range of communication channels?

The checklist has been created to help you 2 Will they establish and diagnose ICT problems/faults using the required troubleshooting methodology
assess whether your apprentice will be in a and tools?
position to demonstrate all of the following 3 Will they interpret technical specifications relevant to the ICT task?
Azure Cloud Support Specialist’s duties, during
their programme. 4 Will they apply the appropriate security policies to ICT tasks in line with organisational requirements?

5 Will they be undertaking the relevant processes with the relevant tools and technologies to resolve ICT
technical issues?
Job roles this programme is 6 Will they be communicating with all levels of stakeholders, talking them through steps to take to
a great match for: resolve issues or set up systems, keeping them informed of progress and managing escalation and
expectations?

7 Will they apply appropriate testing methodologies to hardware or software or cabling assets?
• Desktop Support Engineer
8 Will they be practicing guided continuous self-learning to keep up to date with technological
• First and Second Line Helpdesk Support developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for their own professional development?
• Technical Support Analyst 9 Will they be documenting or escalating ICT tasks as appropriate to ensure a clear audit trail and
• Infrastructure Technician progression of issues?

10 Will they be installing and configuring relevant software and hardware as appropriate for example:
mobile apps, printers, projectors, scanners and cameras?

11 Will they be addressing IT issues by prioritising in response to customer service level agreements?

12 Will they administer security access requirements and permissions for stakeholders escalating as
necessary for example password resets?

13 Will they support the roll out of upgrades or new systems or applications?

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

ENTRY FINDING
REQUIREMENTS NEW TALENT

The entry requirements for this programme We offer an extensive attraction and recruitment
are as follows: service for employers who are looking to use
Proactively engaged with
apprenticeships to bring new talent into their
over 4,000 sixth forms/colleges
• 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 4+ (A-C) in organisation.
and universities, attending
any subject
We use multiple channels and tactics to careers fairs to ensure we
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalents) at grades attract people who are interested in and are reach talent first
3+ (D or above) passionate about building a career in tech.
Our recruitment model combines vigorous AI
• Prospective apprentices must not hold an existing assessments with 1-2-1 interviews to ensure we
qualification at the same or higher level as this select apprentices of the highest calibre. QA attracts 100,000 applicants
apprenticeship in a similar subject a year for its apprenticeship
We are committed to increasing diversity in and tech academy roles and
tech and to help achieve this, we work closely has nearly 200,000 in its
with special interest groups including; Code candidate database
Experience (if the learner can’t meet the First: Girls, Stemettes and Young Professionals
qualification requirements): to ensure apprentices from all backgrounds are
Those working in the Tech Industry e.g. having 6 given the same opportunities, and to support us
months plus of experience working in any IT position to close the gender and diversity gap in tech.
Significantly higher than
or 1 year plus work experience in any other profession average gender balance with
or sector and able to demonstrate working towards 37% of our apprenticeship
Level 2 in Maths and English. starts being female, compared
to an industry average of 19%

14.2% of our applicant pool

indicated they have a BAME
background - higher than the
industry average of 13.3%

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 DIVERSITY A BLENDED
AND INCLUSION APPROACH TO
LEARNING

We’re passionate about diversity in tech How we deliver

It’s our mission to help eradicate the gender gap, and make sure equal opportunities are given to QA apprenticeships are designed to immerse
applicants from all backgrounds. We do this through our long-standing partnerships, QA-driven the apprentice in their job role while providing
initiatives and use of trending tools and software. time for them to complete the required off-
the job training to become occupationally
competent and ready to undertake End-Point
Diversity-first Diversity partnerships We make tech skills Assessment to complete their apprenticeship
candidate attraction accessible to all standard.
QA Apprenticeships also provide more
We’ve invested in using We forge partnerships with We run free tech workshops flexibility for the employer, allowing
augmented copy checking like-minded organisations including ‘Teach the Nation apprentices to learn through a combination of
tools to ensure language is who share our vision on STEM to Code’ and ‘Teach the project and lab work, live events, self-research,
inclusive, open to all and free gender equality including Nation to Cloud’ so anyone self-paced learning and peer-to-peer learning.
from bias. Code First: Girls, Stemettes can explore technology career Full-time apprentices (those that work 30
and Young Professionals. opportunities. hours per week or more) will be required to
We use inclusive imagery
throughout our campaigns spend at least 20% of the apprentice’s normal
– producing visual content working hours over the planned duration of
that promotes diversity and the apprenticeship practical period on off-
inclusion. the-job training. This means the minimum
requirement for apprentices working 30 hours
or more per week is an average of 6 hours of
off-the-job training per week (i.e. 20% of 30
hours) over the planned duration.
Promoting inclusivity Initial Assessment
Employer coaching, shadowing and
mentoring remain off-the-job training,
We nurture relationships with Every candidate goes through
however, there will be more defined
influencers, schools, colleges an initial assessment where
requirements to guarantee this is directly
and universities via events their current knowledge, skills
related to the apprenticeship and will be part
and interactive sessions and behaviours are measured
of the training plan.
to ensure learners from all and mapped against the
backgrounds are given the apprenticeship standard.
same opportunities.
This process is an assessment
of the apprentice’s eligibility for
an apprenticeship programme,
and ensures they are placed
on the right programme at
the right time, This contributes
towards a successful
completion and a good learner
experience.
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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

LEARNER
SUPPORT

Safeguarding at QA Prevent at QA Mental Health at QA

Safeguarding means Prevent is part of Emotional and mental

ensuring the safety and the Government’s wellbeing is an important
wellbeing of our learners. counter-terrorism component of successful
strategy. learning.

At QA, this means ensuring our At QA, this means we teach our Understanding how to protect
polices and processes promote staff and learners about the mental health and promote
and protect learner wellbeing four British values: democracy, emotional wellbeing is part of
and that while you are on rule of law, individual liberty modern British citizenship.
programme, and that while on and respect and tolerance.
programme, we teach learners
We also work with Prevent
about the types of risk facing
partners to identify people at
modern day British citizens.
risk of being or causing terror
This includes cyber risks, related harm.
mental and physical
health information, risks of
radicalisation or grooming and
much more.

Ways to access support if you are worried for yourself or someone else:
• Call us – anytime 07808 050273
• Email: safeguarding@qa.com
• Contact your Digital Learning Consultant (DLC), tutor or account manager
• Speak to any member of QA staff onsite

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

DIGITAL BY DESIGN
APPRENTICESHIP
PROGRAMMES

Digital by Design programmes Microsoft Azure Cloud Support Specialist

QA Digital by Design apprenticeships provide a greater focus on
online learning together with using live interaction where it adds the 16 months (total)
most value for learners.
1 - 4 months 4 - 12 months 13- 16 months
It means that there is a single learner journey which brings teaching,
coaching, learning and assessment into a single, repeatable flow
dules
for every module. This ensures that from the beginning of the al mo
hnic
programme there is a clear focus on successful completion of the c
odule Te
end-point assessment (EPA). edm
t
ar
In Digital by Design, these three elements will work together: st

ng
• The content

tti
Ge
• The service and support Operating
System
• The technology Programme
Launch and
Fundamentals END-POINT ASSESSMENT
Core IT Principles
DISCOVER

GATEWAY
DISCOVER Professional discussion
PRACTISE Core Cloud & PRACTISE underpinned by portfolio
Discover, practise and apply APPLY Networking
APPLY
Principles Project report
All QA apprenticeships use a guided discovery approach to learning, DISCOVER Azure, M365
& Advanced IT
with questioning
QUALIFICATION
PRACTISE
as opposed to traditional methods of delivery such as live events. APPLY Principles AWARDED
This shifts the emphasis from content delivery to our learners and
their context, resulting in the apprentice feeling empowered to
take ownership of their learning experience through the “Discover,
Practise, Apply” model.

Develop portfolio (competency evidence)

Level 2 functional skills, English and Maths must be passed as part of the programme
DISCOVER PRACTISE APPLY (if not already) and certificates presented, prior to taking the end-point assessment.
This will be discussed at programme launch.
Learners will learn Learners will practise Learners will apply what
the theory, by their new-found they’ve discovered and
exploring subjects knowledge by practised at work. They will
online and in the completing activities actively contribute to your
live events. - online, in the live organisation whilst building
events and (most their portfolio of evidence
importantly) directly (showing how they’ve
at work in their day- applied their new skills) to
to-day role. gain their qualification.

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

THE LEARNER’S JOURNEY

Programme timeline | Duration: 16 Months | Gateway: 12 Months

• Programme Launch

• Start Module 1: Core IT Principles

• Safeguarding Module
• HandS: Workstation Assessment
• Functional Skills: Maths and MONTH 1
English Diagnostics
• Functional Skills: Maths and MONTH 2 • Employer Check-in
English Learning • End Module 1: Core IT Principles
• Check-in session 1#

• Start Module 2: Core Cloud MONTH 3

& Networking Principles
• End Module 2: Core Cloud & MONTH 5 • Start Module 3: Operating System
Networking Principles Fundamentals
• Functional Skills: Speaking, Listening and
Communicating Exam Preparation
• Functional Skills: Maths and English (R&W)
Mock Exams
• Functional Skills: Speaking, Listening and
Communicating Exam
• Functional Skills: Maths Exam
• End Module 3: Operating System MONTH 7
Fundamentals • Functional Skills: English (R) Exam
• Functional Skills: English (W) Exam
• Employer Reflection (1 of 2)

MONTH 8 • Start Module 4: Azure, M365

& Advanced IT Principles

• End Module 4: Azure, M365 & MONTH 10

Advanced IT Principles

• Employer Reflection (2 of 2) MONTH 12

• Portfolio Consolidated
• End-point Assessment Preparation

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

GETTING
STARTED
MODULE

The modules in our Microsoft Azure Cloud Support Specialist apprenticeship equip learners with the advanced technical skills they need
for their role. Each module develops the core set of skills they must be able to do well to be competent.
In each module, learners will ‘discover’, ‘practice’ and ‘apply’ what they’ve learned. This helps them put their newly-found knowledge into
action back at work.
There are 4 modules to complete with the following learning outcomes.

Module 1: Introduction and Core IT Principles

Programme Launch Discover. Practise. Apply.

(Synchronous session online)
This module introduces learners to the key organisational, cultural and health and safety considerations
• Learn about the programme that are required by Cloud Specialists. We also cover a broad range of foundational networking knowledge
and structure and skills.
• Calendar of apprenticeship
events Discovery activities include: Practical activities include: Apply activities include:

• Setting expectations • What is binary? • Binary game Description of their

• How strong is my password? • Write your introduction role, their employer and
• Complete first networking
where they fit in the
activity • Have I been Pwned: Check if your email • How we communicate in the
organisation including
has been compromised in a data breach workplace (tech vs non-tech)
identifying relevant
• Diversity and cultural awareness • Health and safety / organisational stakeholders.
• Knowledgebase / user guide structure compliance
and format • Numeric conversions (Binary, Decimal
• Introduction to STARRS (Situation, Task, and Hexadecimal)
Action, Result, Reflection, Strengthen) • Introduction to Wi-Fi and how to
• WEEE legislation introduction (video) approach fixing connection problems
• Introduction to network components • Fix and report using STARR
- Hub, Switches, Routers, DNS, DHCP, • Introduction to virtual network
Servers components - VM’s, Virtual networks,
• Network topologies and access VPN, Internet, Intranet and Extranet
methods - Star, Mesh, Ring, Bus, Logical • Cloud literacy
and physical topologies • Introduction to IPv4 addressing (video)
• Technical document structure and • Create and format your portfolio and
format project documents

Module duration: 9 weeks Classroom attendance: 2 days

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

TECHNICAL MODULES
The technical modules focus on the knowledge and skills required of an Azure Cloud
Support Technician in detail. After each module learners will ‘apply’ what they’ve
learned at work on current projects.

Module 2: Module 3:
Core Cloud & Networking Principles Operating System Fundamentals

This module introduces learners to core networking principles including network addressing, This module will provide learners with knowledge of fundamental operating system concepts in
Cloud, Virtualisation and Security. Windows 10, linux and cloud-based environments.

Discovery activities include: Practical activities include: Apply activities include: Discovery activities include: Practical activities include: Apply activities include:
• Approaches to problem • IPv4 - addressing, subnetting; NAT, static IP, • Interpreting customer • Understanding operating • Understanding operating system • Scoping solutions informed by
solving gateway; APIPA; network classes, classful/ classless requirements, use system configurations configurations the system data
• Documenting actions IP addressing;; reserved address ranges for local of various tools • Installing and upgrading • Installing and upgrading client systems • Test and evaluate system
and the benefits of task use (including local loopback ip) and techniques to client systems performance
• Managing applications
tracking with ticketing • IPv6 - why use IPv6; addressing; ipv4toipv6 troubleshoot
• Managing applications • Managing files and folders • Carrying out routine
systems tunneling protocols to ensure backwards • Ensuring security of maintenance
• Managing files and folders • Managing devices
• Maintenance approaches compatibility; dual ip stack; subnetmask; gateway; personal data
• Managing devices • Applying necessary security in
- preventative, predictive, ports; packets; reserved address ranges for local • Communicating with • Understanding operating system
line with access
reactive use (including local loopback ip) stakeholders and • Understanding operating maintenance
• Names resolution - DNS, resource records, keeping effective system maintenance • Fix and report (STARRS)
• Describe backup and
recovery options and their Windows Internet Name Service (WINS), steps relationships with all
benefits in the name resolution process, HOSTS file, parties
LMHOSTS file • Prioritising workload, Module duration: 15 weeks Classroom attendance: 5 days
• Describe mobile device
security - encryption, • Networking services - Dynamic Host documenting tasks
strong password, Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Address and knowing when to
biometric checks, Translation (NAT), firewalls, remote access, VPN escalate
transport encryption • TCP/IP - tools such as ping; tracert; pathping;
Telnet; IPconfig; netstat, reserved address
ranges for local use (including local loopback ip);
protocols
• Wireless networking - types of wireless
networking standards and their characteristics
(802.11A, B, G, N, AC including different Ghz
ranges), types of network security (for example,
WPA/WEP/802.1X ), point-to-point (P2P) wireless,
ad hoc networks, wireless bridging
• Fix and report (STARRS)

Module duration: 9 weeks Classroom attendance: 5 days

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

Module 4: Gateway and end-point assessment Qualifications

Azure, M365 & Advanced IT Principles Consolidation, preparation and earned
assessment (Online)

This module will provide learners with an extended understanding of cloud enabled systems, This final component will get learners ready to go When they achieve this apprenticeship, learners will
secure integration, disaster recovery, principles of test plans and automation tools. through the ‘gateway’. earn the following qualifications:
The apprenticeship gateway is an internal QA process.
Discovery activities include: Practical activities include: Apply activities include: It will ensure that your learner’s work is ready to be • Information Communications Technician
• Describe the top-level tasks required • Linux Command Line • Physically connecting devices assessed by BCS. This exists to increase their chances Level 3 Apprenticeship
to deploy a VPN Fundamentals • Remotely operating devices and of success.
• Describe how HTTPS provides • Introduction to PowerShell deploying and securely integrating OPTIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
secure access to web applications • Focus on project report mobile devices into a network As part of module four in this routeway apprentices will
At this pre-gateway stage learners will: cover the syllabi of the following exams:
• Describe how using encryption (STARRS) • Scripting with PowerShell and
technologies can securely transport Linux • Consolidate and submit their portfolio
data across mobile or wireless • Monitoring and Managing virtual • Conduct a mock EPA • Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)*
networks. servers, applications and networks • Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900)*
• Explain how tools can be used to • Applying necessary security in line
In addition to the items above, learners must have
remotely manage devices or provide with access
successfully completed all the Functional Skills exams *QA will provide free of charge exam vouchers for a first
assistance to remote users.
• Carrying out routine maintenance (except exempt learners). attempt for each of these certifications. Subsequent
• Describe mobile device security and basic upgrades attempts will be funded by the learner/employer.
- encryption, strong password, Once learners have met all the above criteria, they will
biometric checks, transport go through the gateway. When approved, it takes up
encryption to 4 months from gateway to achievement.
• Principles of disaster recovery and
test plans During this time, learners will:
• Complete their simulation assessment and
questioning
• Complete their interview

Module duration: 15 weeks Classroom attendance: 2 days

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Apprentices will be assessed on 3 key areas; their ability to convey knowledge, SKILLS
their ability to demonstrate practical skills and their capability of displaying
professional workplace behaviour. These will be developed during an apprentice’s
• S1: Interpret and prioritise internal or external • S10: Establish and diagnose the extent of the IT
learning journey, with the goal of displaying all of these competencies during their customer’s requirements in line with organisation’s support task, in line with the organisation’s policies
assessment. policy and Service Level Agreements
• S2: Apply the appropriate tools and techniques to • S11: Provide remote/F2F support to resolve customer
These knowledge, skills and behaviour points ensure rounded development, as the undertake fault finding and rectification requirements
standards provide a greater emphasis on the importance of both technical and soft • S3: Apply Continuous Professional Development to • S12: Maintain a safe working environment for own
support necessary business output and technical personal safety and others in line with Health & Safety
skills in the workplace.
developments appropriate to the task
• S4: Operate safely and securely across platforms and • S13: Identify and scope the best solution informed by
responsibilities maintaining the security of personal the system data associated with the task
KNOWLEDGE data of internal and external stakeholders • S14: Test and evaluate the system’s performance and
• S5: Communicate with all levels of stakeholders, compliance with customer requirements.
keeping them informed of progress and managing • S15: Escalate non routine problems in line with
• K1: Approaches to back up and storage solutions • K12: Approaches to documenting tasks, findings,
escalation where appropriate procedures
• K2: Basic elements of technical documentation and actions taken and outcome for example, use of task
tracking and ticketing systems • S6: Develop and maintain effective working • S17: Carry out routine maintenance across
its interpretation
relationships with colleagues, customers and other systems, (such as IT, Communications), ensuring
• K3: Principles of root cause problem solving using • K13: Basic awareness of legislation in relation to
relevant stakeholders organisational compliance at all times
fault diagnostics for troubleshooting disposal of waste materials for example Waste
Electronic and Electrical regulations (WEEE) • S7: Manage and prioritise the allocated workload • S18: Apply the necessary security, in line with access
• K4: Principles of basic network addressing for effectively making best use of time and resources
• K14: Fundamental principles of operating systems, and/or encryption requirements
example binary
hardware system architectures and devices • S8: Complete documentation relevant to the task and • S19: Use a range of Cabling or Connectors equipment
• K5: Basic awareness of the principles of cloud and escalate where appropriate
• K15: Principles of remote operation of devices in line with technical requirements for example
cloud-based services
including how to deploy and securely integrate • S9: Install or undertake basic software upgrades, physically or remotely
• K6: Fundamental principles of virtual networks and either physically or remotely
mobile devices into a network
components
• K16: Fundamental principles of peripherals for
• K7: Principles of cultural awareness and how diversity
example: printers and scanners
impacts on delivery of support tasks.
• K17: Principles of virtualisation of servers, applications BEHAVIOUR
• K8: Methods of communication including level of
and networks
technical terminology to use to technical and non-
technical stakeholders • K18: Principles of disaster recovery, how a disaster
recovery plan works and their role within it • B1: Works professionally, taking initiative as
• K9: Different types of maintenance and preventative appropriate and acting with an ethical approach
measures to reduce the incidence of faults • K19: Principles of Test Plans, their role and
significance • B2: Communicates technical and non-technical
• K10: Key principles of security including the role of information in a variety of situations to support
People, Product and Process in secure systems for • K20: Fundamentals of purpose, creation and
effective working with internal or external
example access and encryption requirements maintenance of asset registers
stakeholders
• K11: Fundamentals of physical networks and • K21: Approaches to system upgrades and updates
• B3: Demonstrates a productive and organised
components and their significance
approach to their work
• K22: Approaches to interpretation of log files, event
• B4: Self-motivated, for example takes responsibility to
viewer and system tools
complete the job.
• K23: Basic elements of network infrastructure
architectures including WiFi and wired networks

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

HOW TO GET READY HOW THE

FOR THE END-POINT EPA IS GRADED
ASSESSMENT

We want to deliver memorable learning experiences, whilst

developing learners with well-rounded skillsets, ready to meet
Assessment Method 1:
their professional requirements. Workplace Project with Report (1,500 words)
To ensure we are achieving this goal consistently, it is important
for learners, digital learning consultants and employers to work
together to ensure learners are supported to succeed in their
apprenticeship’s end-point assessment (EPA).
In this section we outline a number of guidelines which intend
to provide a framework so that this can be achieved in a
consistent way.

Preparation for the end-point assessment starts from day one.

STAYING ON-TRACK THROUGHOUT THE

PROGRAMME
Assessment Method 2:
Professional Discussion
Learners and employers should start preparing for EPA from the
start of the programmme. Employers will need to ensure that
learners are given the right opportunities at work to develop and
prove the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the standard.
For this reason, it is very important to keep learners, digital Portfolio
Full evidence of specified
learning consultants and employers informed about the
Knowledge, Skills and
programme progress. It is critical to the success of the Behaviours
apprenticeship programme that all of the above work together to
ensure that each learning journey is kept on-track avoiding further
interventions (and time commitment) whenever possible.

GATEWAY
To help learners with this, we have created two guiding PRE GATEWAY POST GATEWAY
documents – a programme timeline, and a progress review map
– so progress can be checked against it, at any time. Any progress
deviations above 15% will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This
is to ensure the apprenticeship is progressing in a timely manner.

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 MICROSOFT AZURE CLOUD SUPPORT SPECIALIST LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME GUIDE

EXPANDING YOUR AZURE CERTIFICATION

TECHNICAL SKILLS PATHWAYS IN CLOUD ACADEMY
WITH

Our apprentices are given full access to our proprietary FUNDAMENTALS INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED
Cloud Academy platform for the duration of their
programme. Microsoft Azure Designing & Implementing a
Designing an Azure AI Solution
Cloud Academy brings the very latest and Fundamentals Data Science Solution on Azure
MDP201
MAZ9000 MDP100
up-to-date content to our apprentices through single
units, courses and comprehensive learning paths to
really build on the core learning outcomes defined Microsoft Azure AI Implementing an Microsoft Azure DevOps
within the programme. Furthermore, apprentices are Fundamentals Azure AI Solution Solutions
able to prepare for the full suite of vendor qualifications MAI900 MDP200 MAZ400
across AWS, GCP and Azure and much more.
Cloud Academy users also benefit from Hands-On Developing Solutions for
Microsoft Azure Architect Design
Labs, Lab Challenges and Lab Playgrounds providing Microsoft Azure
MAZ304
a safe, sandbox environment in which our learners MAZ204
are able to practise in real time through guided
walkthroughs or through their own exploration. Microsoft Azure Architect Microsoft Azure Architect
Technologies Security Technologies
MAZ303 MAZ500
Check out the Training Library - Cloud Academy.
Designing and Implementing an
Azure AI Solution
MAI102

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V1.6 AUGUST 2022

32 This information is correct as of publishing in August 2022.